There is change on the horizon and it is going to be a great advancement for mountain bikers across the world. The death of the mountain bike quick release is coming…and quickly. With lighter, cross country oriented forks getting spec’ed with 15mm and 20mm thru axles, mountain bikers of all orientations are starting to see what used to be a DH/FR exclusive. In all reality, the quick release axle for front mountain bike forks should go away. The thru axle is close to the same weight, safer, stiffer and just as easy to use thanks to QR styled release systems. You never have to worry about your wheel being aligned, the QR coming undone, if you have the correct tension or not…and better yet…most of the new thru axle designs are actually easier and quicker to use then the conventional quick release. I don’t know about you, but all of that sounds like more positives than negatives as we head farther into thru axles and away from quick releases!
With the increase in thru axles for mountain bikes on the rise, what can you do to be ready for the change?
Getting Ready for Mountain Bike Thru Axles
New Front Wheels – If you are in the market for a new wheelset for your mountain bike but you are not ready to buy a new fork, choose a front hub with convertible end caps. This will allow you to change the front hub to the new thru axle when you are ready to upgrade. ex. Hadley Racing, Hope Tech, Industry Nine
Purchasing a New Bike – If you are in the market for a new mountain bike (especially if you are purchasing a fully build ride), go ahead and make the switch! You are going to enjoy a front end that is stiffer and tracks better than previous quick release mountain bike forks. Luckily for you as the new mountain bike consumer, many of the rides that are hitting the market today are already seeing thru axles on their suspension forks.
Making Sense of Mountain Bike Thru Axles
With the introduction of the 15mm QR TA from Fox and Shimano, there are more options when it comes to thru axles for mountain bike forks. Here is what you can expect as you try to navigate all of the options during your purchase decisions.
15mm QR Thru Axle – The 15mm QR TA was released last year as part of a collaboration between Fox and Shimano.
- Fox Racing Shox 140mm travel and under forks
- Marzocchi Suspension 140mm travel and under forks
- DT Swiss suspension forks
20mm Thru Axle – The most common of the thru axles for mountain bikes.
- All RockShox thru axle forks – Maxle
- Fox Racing Shox 160mm travel and up forks
- Marzocchi Suspension 160mm and up forks
- Manitou thru axle suspension forks
- Magura Suspension thru axle suspension forks
- White Brothers thru axle suspension forks
24mm Thru Axle – Maverick
- Maverick Suspension Forks
25mm Thru Axle – Specialized
- Specialized thru axle suspension forks
Typically, you are going to run into the 15mm and 20mm thru axle option as you shop for your new mountain bike suspension fork or new mountain bike. After your first ride, you are going to wonder how you ever lived without the thru axle…it is the future!